Description

Star Wars Trilogy Arcade is a first-person rail shooter game that allows players to relive the major battles of the original three Star Wars films. Gameplay encompasses both vehicular combat as well as fighting on foot, and in two bonus stages, lightsaber duels.

At the start of the game, players can select from three stages: Yavin (from A New Hope), Hoth (from The Empire Strikes Back) and Endor (from Return of the Jedi). Each consists of three phases: the first stage encompasses combat in space near the Death Star, the assault on the surface and the famous trench run. Hoth features the snowspeeder attack on the Imperial walkers, an escape on foot through Echo Base, and fighting towards the hangar bay where the Millennium Falcon waits. The third stage begins with the speeder bike chase in the forests, continues with a fight towards the shield generator bunker and ends with a short defense against an Imperial walker. Upon the completion of the three stages, the final stage opens up, featuring the battle against the second Death Star, with phases in space, near the surface and inside the station.

Movement through the levels is automatic and a joystick is used to move crosshairs for targeting and shooting at TIE fighters, walkers, stormtroopers and wampas. In some parts of the game (as indicated by a symbol), the event button can be used to summon help from allies, like fellow X-Wing pilots or Ewoks. The player character is equipped with an energy shield. Taking hits (by not taking out enemies fast enough) reduces the shield; once it is gone the next hit costs a life. The amount of damage taken is determined by the force rating. Helping allies in need moves it towards the light side (reducing damage), hurting allies or being unnecessary cruel to enemies moves it towards the dark side (increasing damage). Shield energy is restored after successfully completing a phase. Bonus points are awarded for a destruction percentage, for time without being hit, hit combos and a unique secret goal for each level.

After the second and third stage completed, a lightsaber bonus stage follows. The first is a fight against Boba Fett near Jabba's sand barge. Boba's shots must be reflected back onto him to make him fall into the Sarlacc Pit. The second is the duel against Darth Vader in the Emperor's throne room. Both work via quick time events: an arrow indicates the direction into which the joystick must be pushed to reflect Boba's shots or parry Vader's strikes.